Numismatic

1852 Three Cent Silver BU

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced one of its smallest and most distinctive coins: the silver three-cent piece. This 1852 issue, preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, represents the second year of a short-lived denomination born of a specific need for low-value silver currency. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this tiny coin contains 0.0193 troy ounces of silver with a fineness of 0.750. The obverse of the coin features a striking six-pointed star, at the center of which sits a heraldic shield. The year of mintage, 1852, is clearly inscribed below this central emblem. This intricate composition was created by James B. Longacre, who served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. On the reverse, the design is dominated by an ornamental Roman numeral III, representing the three-cent face value. This numeral is nestled inside a stylized, sweeping C-shaped design element. Despite its diminutive size, the coin displays a remarkable level of detail, showcasing the artistry required to engrave such a small canvas during the pre-1933 era of American coinage.